From the Courts to the Ballot Box: Coordinated Attacks on Trans Rights Are Escalating
WASHINGTON — Today, the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC), a national nonprofit supporting pro‑democracy ballot measures, responded to the Supreme Court’s decisions in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, which ruled to uphold laws that prohibit transgender women and girls from sports. This ruling comes as anti-trans rhetoric is fueling discriminatory policies at the ballot box, hijacking the people’s tool for political gain, often against vulnerable communities.
“I am alarmed and deeply disappointed by this decision,” said Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director at BISC. “Every young person deserves the chance to participate fully, safely, and authentically in school sports—without being singled out and excluded by discriminatory policies. This ruling sends a harmful message to transgender youth across the country that they do not belong in spaces where their peers are welcomed to grow, compete, and thrive. Students deserve inclusion, not exclusion disguised as policy.”
Across the country, state lawmakers are moving in lockstep with this rhetoric. What starts in conversation quickly moves to legislatures, and from there to state ballots where voters are increasingly being asked to consider measures that directly target transgender youth.
“These policies are not about fairness; they are a deliberate attempt to write discrimination into law and weaponize democratic processes against transgender youth. We need policies that uphold dignity and ability for every student to participate in sports. We will continue to support our partners pushing back on these discriminatory attacks. Together, we are working toward a future where all communities can thrive and be themselves without fear or political interference.
As we move through the 2026 election cycle, BISC and our partners are monitoring a growing slate of anti‑trans ballot measures in Colorado, Missouri, Washington, Arizona, and possibly Nebraska— from restricting gender-affirming care for minors to excluding trans students from sports, and more. BISC is committed to fighting these efforts, standing firm against any attempt to roll back trans rights or allow discrimination to shape the people’s tool. You can find more information in BISC’s Ballot Measure Hub.